Ariadne Auf Naxos

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Overview

By Richard Strauss

THE SHOWS MUST GO ON! A wealthy patron has commissioned two pieces of entertainment for a private dinner party: an opera based on the myth of Ariadne in exile, and a capering troupe of clowns for comic relief. The catch: the two acts must perform simultaneously so a fabulous pyrotechnics display can conclude the evening as promised. Our acclaimed production delivers a deliciously theatrical mix of lowbrow comedy and high art, offering surprises and delights at every turn.

In German with English subtitles | at McCaw HallApproximate Running Time: 2 hours, 35minutes with 1 intermission

Audio described performance for visually impaired patrons available on Sunday, May 3. Description begins 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the matinee.

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Synopsis

Long Story ShortTonight we attempt to answer the age-old question: what happens when comedy and tragedy are forced to share the same stage?

Who's Who?The Composer is an idealistic, impatient, emotional young genius who deplores the frivolity and vulgarity of the world. Since he is very young, he is played by a woman.The Music Master, his teacher, is older, wiser, and much more practical. The Butler is a pompous sycophant who couldn’t care less about art or music. Because he’s supposed to be tone-deaf, he is played by an actor. The Dancing Master is a sly producer of silly Italian comedies. Zerbinetta is a sexy, flirtatious young actress who stars in the Dancing Master’s shows. The Soprano is an obnoxious prima donna who plays Ariadne, an ancient Greek princess whose lover abandoned her, in the Composer’s opera. The Tenor is a quick-tempered clod who plays Bacchus, the god of wine, in the Composer’s opera. Harlekin is a likeable, lovesick young clown. The Nymphs are Ariadne’s only companions in her exile upon Naxos; they areNaiad, a water spirit, Dryad, a forest spirit, and Echo, a…well, an echo. The Comics perform with Zerbinetta and Harlekin; their names are Brighella, Scaramuccio, and Truffaldino.

Where and When?The Prologue to this opera within an opera takes place in an art-lover’s mansion. The opera itself takes place on (a stage representing) the island of Naxos, from Greek myth.

What's Going On? The wealthiest man in town, eager to dazzle his friends and neighbors and show off his vast wealth, is having a party. The invitation promised a glorious feast, the premiere of a serious opera on the Greek myth of Ariadne (written by the hotshot young composer the entire city is talking about), and a hilarious skit about “Fickle Zerbinetta and Her Four Lovers.” But the real climax of the evening—according to the Butler, at least—will be fireworks, in the garden at dusk!

No one dared tell the Composer that the antics of a troupe of Italian clowns would follow the unveiling of his masterpiece, and when he finds out he is livid. But matters grow worse as the dinner drags on, and the Butler announces that, in order to make up the time, the comedians and tragedians must combine their shows; they are both to appear on the same stage at the same time, and must perform ALL their music and text if they hope to be paid. Upon hearing this, the Composer is ready to kill himself, or at least to walk away forever from the rich cretin who could so desecrate his sacred art. Zerbinetta, however, saves the day (and her paycheck) by flirting with the Composer and seducing him into staying.

The resulting mish-mash of a performance veers back and forth between comedy and tragedy. Ariadne, who has been abandoned on an island by her faithless lover, Theseus, longs for death; Zerbinetta and her friends, who evidently inhabit this deserted island, attempt to cheer her up. But she is inconsolable—at least until the young god Bacchus stops by. Bacchus and Ariadne slowly discover each other’s identity; they fall in love, and the magic of their love transforms them both. As they sing the conclusion of their opera, the same thing happens—in real life—to Zerbinetta and the Composer.

WAYS TO SAVE

Seattle Opera believes in opera for all. There are many ways to attend for less, including $25 tickets for every performance; up to 35% off with season ticket packages; special pricing for patrons age 21-39; and student, senior, military, teen, and group discounts.

Georg Martin Bode is a member of four municipal theater ensembles, namely, those of Bremen, Cologne, Bochum, and Basel. His recent roles include Prospero in The Tempest and the King in Le soulier de satin. He has appeared in several television shows and films as well. Opera roles include appearances as Bassa Selim in Mozart’s Entführung aus dem Serail and Samiel in Weber’s Freischütz at Selzach Opera Festival as well as the title role of Schumann’s Manfred at Basel Theater. Bode makes his debut at Seattle Opera in Ariadne auf Naxos.

Joyce Degenfelder’s association with Seattle Opera began in 1992 with The Ballad of Baby Doe. In 2003, Degenfelder made her Seattle Opera design debut with Parsifal, and ever since she has designed makeup and wigs for all of Seattle Opera’s productions. In addition to her work with Seattle Opera, she is also wig master for Seattle Repertory Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and ACT Theater. Her work has been seen around the country including Seattle Children’s Theatre, Intiman Theatre, Alaska Repertory Theatre, and Milwaukee Repertory Theatre.

Last Updated: June 2015

Joyce Degenfelder

Hair and Makeup Designer

Jonathan Dean

English Captions

Hometown: Okemos, MI Seattle Opera Debut:Le nozze di Figaro ('97) Previously at Seattle Opera: English Captions Titlist (from Carmen '95 to Carmen '04); pre-performance lecturer (from Lohengrin '04 through Amelia '09); creator of the children’s operas Theft of the Gold and Siegfried and the Ring of FireCurrently at Seattle Opera: Director of Public Programs and Media; writes English Captions for most productions in Italian, French, German, and English; author of Spotlight Guides, which provide subscribers with background and historical information about each upcoming opera